US Announces New Travel Ban Rule for People Who Have Visited an Ebola-Hit Country

The United States has introduced a new travel restriction targeting passengers who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as authorities intensify efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.

The new requirement, which takes effect on November 3, 2026, will affect Kenyans and other travellers planning to fly to the US from different parts of the world.

According to a notice issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all passengers travelling to America must complete a declaration confirming whether they have visited the DRC within the previous 21 days.

The declaration can be submitted digitally or on paper and must be completed before boarding the flight.

Airlines have been directed to ensure that every passenger complies with the requirement. Those who fail to complete and submit the declaration will not be allowed to board their flights to the United States.

The airlines will also be required to retain copies of the completed declarations for at least 42 days after the passengers arrive in America.

The directive applies to passengers travelling to the US from any foreign country, including those departing from airports with US pre-clearance facilities.

The new measures come as health authorities continue monitoring the Ebola outbreak and implementing measures aimed at preventing further international transmission.

Kenya has also been dealing with infections linked to a patient who reportedly travelled from the DRC through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3.

According to the Ministry of Health, the patient later died, while infections were subsequently confirmed among nine people who had contact with the deceased. Other individuals were placed in quarantine as authorities intensified contact tracing.

If you liked this story, please follow or tip the author to help them write more!

Ricardo_ feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com